Lloyd’s Register (LR) released a Yacht Safety Culture and Wellbeing Survey that found avoidable risks are being created across the yacht sector due to inconsistent leadership and variable safety priorities, along with indications that formal procedures are not always followed. The survey gathered input from crew and shore-based professionals working across a broad range of yacht sizes and operating models. “The survey indicates that although safety‑critical rules, checklists, and safety meetings are in place, their effectiveness is frequently diminished by financial, operational, and guest‑driven pressures, as well as by crewing levels and workload demands,” LR’s announcement stated. LR’s survey found that engagement is a critical area that requires attention. The culture around reporting, challenging decisions, and speaking up without fear of negative decisions is poor according to LR’s findings, with engagement notably lower on yachts under 500 GT and among long-tenured crew. Owner and management priorities paired with onboard leadership behaviors were found to be a decisive factor in engagement levels on board. A common finding was reports of fatigue and workload pressures, with engineers and senior officers recording the lowest wellbeing scores. Missed opportunities in learning from incidents was also reported, with crew saying excessive reporting of minor issues dilutes meaningful learning and reduces confidence in reporting systems. “The findings underline the need for stronger leadership behaviors, more effective fatigue management, and a reporting culture that encourages early intervention,” said Engel-Jan de Boer, LR’s global yacht segment director. “Without action, the industry risks higher underlying safety exposure and the loss of experienced crew.”